Samford University Goes Mobile

Posted on 2011-04-28

UPDATE (5/17): Samford Mobile for iPhone is now available in the iTunes app store.

Keeping in touch with Samford University is now easier than ever, thanks to mobile apps being released today by Technology Services and the Office of Marketing and Communication.

The Samford Mobile project aims to funnel university communication and IT services into the palms of students’ hands. Release 1 begins with the launch of Samford Mobile for Android, followed shortly by Samford Mobile for iPhone. BlackBerry support is being planned for a later release.

“We want to provide our users the best in technology and access,” said David Hakanson, Samford’s chief information officer. “The Samford University mobile application is an innovative tool to support the growing number of mobile devices used by students and other members of the university.”

Subscribers will be able to access a variety of apps, including Samford videos, social media, athletics, course schedules, campus directory, grades, maps, cafeteria menus and news. They will also be able to help contribute to the development of future apps and offer feedback through a form on the mobile apps website.

“Web communication is quickly shifting from desktop to mobile devices. Samford Mobile helps position Samford to assist our community with this new communication habit,” said Randy Pittman, vice president of University Advancement.

Added Buck Brock, vice president for Business Affairs: “This is another example of Samford’s commitment to bring innovative, functional and relevant technology to our students and Samford community to enhance the learning experience.”

Several other apps are also in the works to enhance the experience, including events, mobile learning management system, mobile OrgSync for student organization communication, a photo gallery, convocation tracker and enhanced news, will be added to upcoming releases.

“We are excited about the future of this mobile initiative and are eager to receive ideas for improvements and new services in upcoming releases,” said Josh Thomas, director of Web Services.

To register for mobile apps, users can visit https://market.android.com/details?id=com.samford_university.samfordmobile on their Android device or search for Samford in the Android market. Information for accessing Samford Mobile from iPhones will be released after approval from Apple.

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About Samford University – Samford University is a premier nationally ranked private university deeply rooted in its Christian mission. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th oldest institution of higher education in the United States. U.S. News & World Report ranks Samford 4th among regional universities in the South. Samford enrolls 5,619 students from 44 states, the District of Columbia and 29 other countries in its 10 academic units: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy, and public health. Samford also fields 17 NCAA Division I teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference.